Saturday, November 21, 2009

"Metrosexual" is a term given for straight men who are very concerned with their appearance and maintain stereotypes generally associated with gay men. This 21st century man cares about his look, feel, and scent and will go to extremes to make sure he meets his own standards. This can include grooming such as facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, as well as high end fashion and cologne. Some men do it for themselves, because they just like to pamper themselves and others feel it will attract women.

The gay community has a varied stance on the subject matter. On one hand metrosexuals are being accused of appropriating from gay culture, on the other hand gays feel like they can't stand out and know who is one of them anymore. The possible upside to metrosexuality is that these stereotypes are falling wayside and there is no such thing as a "gay look" anymore. If so many people look "gay" or are perceived to be regardless of their actual sexual orientation, than real gay people who enjoy pampering themselves and who may be effeminate are no longer outcasts but just another large segment of the male population.

Also, in responding consider the impact on lesbian and bisexual women, as well as implications for the transgender community. While the term metrosexual really has traditionally applied to "straight men who act gay" there are many straight women who cut their hair short, act rugged and are blurring the lines between heterosexual women and stereotypical lesbian attributes.

What do you think? Yay or nay to metrosexuality, and what is the impact for queer culture?

I agree bogo the funny thing is I have found some of the queerest straight people (metrosexuals) self identified or not, to be very accepting of these attributes while also being very homophobic and transphobic. I wonder if they are indeed anti-queer or feel the need to put on that image so nobody suspects they are gay themselves.

People can be whoever the heck the want to be, and nobody has a right to dictate who a person is, and how a person lives their lives. They wouldn't want it done to them, right? So my answer is "yay." Freedom has to be across the board for it to work at all.